I’m sorry that this video was taken sideways, but you can still get the basic concept (I’m the girl in the red jacket). The Great Wall of China is very slick in the snow, especially when your shoes have little traction. I wasn’t expecting snow on my trip to China. What does this have to do with Pilates you ask? I believe practicing Pilates has improved my balance, which was imperative when I basically skied down the wall. You’ll see me do a 360 in this video but I did recover and I didn’t fall once, though there were people falling all around us.

Think about Pilates when you walk today.  Are your shoulder’s back and down?  Are you looking straight ahead?  Is your belly button pulled toward the spine?  Do you feel tall, long, and confident.  Pilates posture can make your appear more confident even if you aren’t feeling your best.  Plus, considering your posture all day will strengthen you body and muscles evenly.

I think Pilates is great, and I support doing the exercises lifelong, but even Joseph Pilates knew that it wasn’t all you needed for a healthy life. The muscles and body need variety.

One thing Pilates typically does give you (unless you are moving through the workout at a pretty fast clip) is a cardiovascular workout. So consider speed walking or taking a kickboxing class. It’s important to do exercises that get your heart rate up and strengthen that very important muscle.

Pilates does work the muscles, but that doesn’t make it a substitute for weight lifting, which is extremely good for men and women especially as we age.

While Pilates is only one part of the component in a healthy lifestyle what is truly wonderful about the exercises is that you can do Pilates everyday, unlike weight lifting. How ever often you practice Pilates is better than never, but you don’t ever have to worry about over doing it with Pilates.